Premiership: Sunderland's McCann fit to face Leeds

Sunderland midfielder Gavin McCann has recovered from the knee injury that forced him out of England action this week.

The 23-year-old is expected to hold his place in an unchanged Sunderland side for the game against Leeds at the Stadium of Light.

Kevin Kilbane is also likely to be fit after injuring his back in the closing stages of the Republic of Ireland's victory over Andorra in midweek.

New French signing Patrice Carteron will make his home debut.

But Niall Quinn and Alex Rae are out with long-term injuries as manager Peter Reid bids to celebrate six years at the club by picking up three points which would boost their quest for European football next season.

Leeds defender Dominic Matteo will miss the game because of an ankle ligament injury sustained in the 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over San Marino in midweek.

He is doubtful for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at home to Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday.

With Matteo sidelined, Leeds captain Lucas Radebe will travel to the north-east and could be forced into action after being out for the last two weeks with a knee injury.

Midfielder Stephen McPhail is not ready to make his long-awaited comeback, despite playing in the last two reserve matches following a five-month lay-off with an Achilles injury.

Sunderland (from): Sorensen, Carteron, Gray, Craddock, Thome, Arca, McCann, Schwarz, Kilbane, Phillips, Hutchison, Macho, Williams, Dichio, Oster, McCartney, Thirlwell.

Leeds (from): Martyn, Kelly, Harte, Dacourt, Radebe, Keane, Viduka, Kewell, Bowyer, Wilcox, Smith, Mills, Batty, Hay, Burns, Maybury, Ferdinand, Robinson.